June 14 dedicated to 'Old Glory'

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class J.G. Buzanowski
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. (AFPN) --  Old Glory. Stars and Stripes. The Star-Spangled Banner.

Most people know the names of the flag of the United States and that June 14 is Flag Day, but there is much more to one of the nation's most cherished symbols than its many monikers.

"It is important for us to commemorate our flag because it symbolizes our freedom," said Tech. Sgt. Terry Lee, a member of the base honor guard here. "People pass an American flag at least once a day without thinking about its history. This is a chance for us to recognize that heritage and how our nation got to where it is today."

Its seemingly simple makeup is full of symbolism. The 13 horizontal stripes, alternating between red and white, represent the original 13 colonies. The red is for hardiness and valor and the white signifies purity and innocence.

In the upper left-hand corner is the field of blue, standing for vigilance, perseverance and justice. Within the blue are 50 five-pointed stars, one for each state of the union.

In the beginning, as legend has it, George Washington proposed stars with six points, but it was Betsy Ross who suggested it have five-pointed stars. Most on the flag committee thought five-pointed stars would be too difficult to make, but she took out a piece of paper, skillfully folded it and made a single snip with a pair of scissors. She then unfolded a symmetrical five-pointed star. Seeing how easy it was, the flag committee agreed with her and she went on to create the first American flag.

The Continental Congress, the nation's ruling body at the time, approved that flag as a national symbol June 14, 1777.

President Harry Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14 as National Flag Day 172 years later.

The flag is used in a variety of different ceremonies, including parades, funerals, and the beginning and ending of the military duty day.

Here are some important instructions on flying the flag:

-- Always display the flag with the blue field on the left as you look at the flag.

-- The flag should never be flown at night unless there is a light on it.

-- Only fly the flag in bad weather if it is an all-weather flag.

-- Flying the flag upside down is a call for help.

-- Never fly a damaged or tattered flag.

A damaged flag can be turned into the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars office or some base honor guards for disposal. (Courtesy of Air Combat Command News Service)